Big Names and Big Cards in Weekly Auction #169
LeBron’s Early Topps Cards Take the Spotlight
As the NBA Playoffs heat up this April, so does the chase for King James’ most iconic early Topps cards. Fanatics Collect’s Weekly Auction #169 brings the heat with a stacked lineup of LeBron rookies and second-year standouts, anchored by some of The Hobby’s most coveted Topps and Topps Chrome offerings.
Leading the charge are two cornerstone Chrome Refractors:
- 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor (LeBron RC) – The one that headlines wishlists everywhere. Clean design. Chrome shine. Iconic rookie status.
- 2004 Topps Chrome Black Refractor – Year two. Still elite. It’s a lower population gem that doesn’t show up often.
Also up for grabs: his 2003 Topps base rookie and 2003 Topps Chrome base, which remain foundational cards for collectors building a modern GOAT PC.
Not all Refractors are created equal. While the specific patterns in this auction differ from the ones featured in our Topps Chrome LeBron guide, that post still offers strong context around these sets and what makes them collector staples.
Whether you’re chasing grails, stacking slabs, or just revisiting early-2000s basketball nostalgia, Weekly Auction #169 is worth a close look. Bidding closes soon—don’t miss your shot at Hobby royalty just as LeBron gears up for another playoff run.
Aaron Judge Is on Fire—And So Are His Cards
Aaron Judge isn’t easing into 2025—he’s tearing it open. The Yankees slugger is off to a blistering start, crushing early-season expectations and reminding everyone why his cards continue to command serious attention in The Hobby.
Fanatics Collect’s Weekly Auction #169 brings a timely slate of Judge offerings, headlined by two key 2017 autos that deserve a closer look:
- 2017 Topps Archives Autograph – A classic look paired with an on-card auto of Judge’s 2014 Topps Heritage Minors card.
- 2017 Topps Inception Autograph – Bold design, hard-signed, and a standout among Inception’s modern era of rookies.
While this week’s lineup isn’t the deepest Judge selection for Fanatics Collect Weekly Auctions, the presence of these two autos—paired with several solid base and insert options—makes Collect’s Weekly Auction #169 a worthy stop for any Judge collector looking to add a signature piece.
And with Judge swinging like it’s October in April, the timing couldn’t be better. If this hot streak keeps up, don’t be surprised to see a ripple effect on demand for Judge’s cards. Whether you’re all in on Judge, a Yankee collector, or just staying ahead of the hype curve, now’s a smart moment to lock in.
Vintage Topps and Bowman Icons: Baseball, Football, Basketball All Represented
Whether you’re building out a ‘50s baseball run, hunting pop rarities, or just drawn to cardboard with history, the vintage lineup in Fanatics Collect Weekly Auction #169 has something to say.
This week’s cross-sport vintage selection is headlined by some serious hobby legends—each with eye appeal, low pop, or both:
- 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle – A classic early Mantle in the clean, compact Bowman format, with a sharp presentation to match the name.
- 1955 Topps Hank Aaron PSA 8.5 – Mid-‘50s Hammerin’ Hank is never a bad idea. Add in the Fanatics Collect Eye Appeal tag, and this one’s even tougher to ignore.
- 1975 Topps Rich Gossage PSA 10 – One of only 7 PSA 10s in existence. Sharp corners, wild colors—peak ‘70s Topps.
- 1975 Topps Reggie Jackson World Series Game 1 PSA 10 – Another pop-10 beauty from the same bold set.
- 1979 Topps Walter Payton PSA 10 – Just 19 of nearly 3,000 submissions have hit gem mint. Sweetness, in elite condition.
- 1981 Topps Julius Erving PSA 10 – One of only 29 PSA 10s on record. Vintage Dr. J still dunks on most modern inserts.
These aren’t just cards—they’re snapshots of sports history, slabbed up and ready for the right collector.
